Whether your plan is to self-publish your work or submit your manuscript for traditional publication, it is important to have a clean final product. That’s where I come in. I will help you polish your manuscript so that it’s ready to impress readers or agents. I’ll help you remove any grammatical hiccups or logic fallacies, so that your writing is at a professional standard and your story can shine, uninhibited by mistakes.
Editing is a journey, and it is normal for your manuscript to pass through more than one round of editing. Each edit hones in on a different aspect of the writing process and polishes the manuscript a little further. The different phases of editing can be completed by different editors or the same editor. Each writer’s journey is unique, and each editor brings something unique to the table.
Depending on where you are in the writing process, your needs may vary. That’s why I offer three levels of editing. All novels will be edited according to the industry standard, the Chicago Manual of Style.
Story Edit (Substantive Edit)
First drafts are wild and wonderful things. They’re infused with the magic of discovery, but they also tend to suffer from structural problems, instances of overwriting, under developed sections, and plot issues. Sharing an early draft with your editor can help you strengthen your plot, deepen your characters, and add richness to your world building.
Story structure is my jam, and I’ve studied commercial Hollywood film structure, classic three-act structure, and the Hero’s Journey carefully over the years. If you’re feeling a little lost in the breadth of your story, nothing would make me happier than having a conversation about the direction of your story.
As an editor, my job is not to write your piece; it is to support you. My goal will never be to change your voice or write your story for you. Rather, I will help you identify ways to make your draft stronger, clearer, and more accessible to readers. Along the way, I will give you useful tools and resources to help you along your journey.
A substantive edit is all about the story. That’s why, you won’t find many line edits when I return your draft to you. The substantive edit is all about big-picture notes, and I assume that you are planning on doing a rewrite once you’ve reviewed my notes. I save the line edits for the copy edit.
In a story edit, I’ll answer questions like:
- Does the plot build have urgency?
- Does every character have a clear goal, and do we sympathize with them?
- Can I envision the world of the novel?
- Does every scene serve a purpose?
- Are there any gaps or unanswered questions?
- Is every character necessary to the story?
- Is the point of view working?
Copy Edit
The copy edit is for someone who has wrapped up the substantive editing phase of their journey and is looking at the finalized their story. This author isn’t rewriting. They’re tidying up the language.
A copy edit will:
– Pick up on inconsistencies
– Identify grammar and spelling mistakes
– Correct tense issues
– Eliminate awkward sentences
– Tighten up dialogue
– Improve word flow
– Offer suggestions and ask questions
In a copy edit, all of my notes will come to you as line edits and comments in the margins. I’ll send you back two manuscripts: one with all of my changes implemented, and one where you can see each edit I’ve made using the Track Changes tool in Microsoft Word.
Proofread
Proofreading is the final polish before a good goes to publication. The proofread is for someone who needs a quick, surface-level edit. Proofreading often follows typesetting. It’s that final look that catches any remaining typos that have slipped through the copy edit or any errors that may have been inadvertently introduced during the typesetting process.
I will:
- Eliminate typos
- Catch inconsistencies
- Make sure your grammar and punctuation is flawless
- Correct tense issues
- Spot spacing issues
Try a Sample Edit
Not sure what type of edit you need? I would be happy to provide an assessment. Send me 3,000 words of your manuscript, and I’ll edit them for a flat rate of $50. Doing a sample will enable me to come up with a realistic estimate of how much time it will take to process your manuscript and what level of editing will be the best fit for you. An assessment will also allow you to get a feel for what working with me is like.
Rates
| Price | Includes | |
| Story Edit | 8₵ / word |
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| Copy Edit | 1.8₵ / word |
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| Proofreading | 1.13₵ / word |
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| Sample Edit | $50 / 3,000 words |
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Depending on the type of edit you choose and the length of the project you are working on, the amount of time it takes for me to return your document may vary. As a general rule, I try to complete the novel editing process within a month. To find out more about my availability, please contact me.
Kristine Stephenson 